Ed. note: This was originally published on the Centers for Medicare & Medical Services (CMS) website.
Millions of Americans are gaining health coverage every year. Between 2013 and 2014, African Americans and Latinos saw the largest declines in uninsured rates. During the 2016 open enrollment period, over 2.2 million individuals of color selected plans through the Marketplace. Getting coverage is a big accomplishment, but it is just the first step. Regardless of your race or ethnicity, taking advantage of your coverage so you and your family stay healthy is an equally important step.
Cara James is the Director of the Office of Minority Health at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).